Marine Biology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Marine Biology Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Biology at Heriot-Watt University addresses issues of key importance in the modern world with emphasis placed on the applied aspects of each area, so that knowledge gained may be used to benefit society.
Our biology graduates have a strong record of employment in fields ranging from marine biology to pharmaceuticals, medical, water, the food industry and public sector organisations.
Studying biology at Heriot-Watt provides a thorough grounding in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, marine and environmental biology, toxicology and biotechnology. Emphasis is p...
Biology at Heriot-Watt University addresses issues of key importance in the modern world with emphasis placed on the applied aspects of each area, so that knowledge gained may be used to benefit society.
Our biology graduates have a strong record of employment in fields ranging from marine biology to pharmaceuticals, medical, water, the food industry and public sector organisations.
Studying biology at Heriot-Watt provides a thorough grounding in cell and molecular biology, microbiology, marine and environmental biology, toxicology and biotechnology. Emphasis is placed on the applied aspects of each discipline, so that knowledge may be used for the benefit of society.
The suite of biology degrees sits within the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences at Heriot-Watt University. We offer seven degrees within the biology subject area, each allowing students to gain a firm foundation before specialising into their preferred field. Each degree comprises one or more key compulsory courses with a choice of optional courses that allows it to be fashioned to an individual student’s interests, within the constraints of the programme of study.
The newest addition to the suite of degrees is our Sports and Exercise Science BSc (Hons). The Sports degrees open to applications for September 2022 entry. These degrees comprise a core of sport and exercise science with an additional emphasis on the study of topics central to human health and well-being, such as biology, nutrition, physiology, and psychology.
Our biology degrees (with the exception of the Sports degrees) share courses at Level 1 while in later levels they comprise a mixture of compulsory and optional courses that reflect the specialist subject. Transfer between degrees is flexible during Levels 1 and 2, and possible in some cases during Levels 3 and 4.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-13
Campus
Edinburgh Campus
Application Details
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A06-A53
Institution Code
H24
Points of Entry
Year 1, Year 2, Year 3
Entry Requirements
A level
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics) at B for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: BBB including Biology or Human Biology.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC in relevant subject (including sufficient science) with C in graded unit for entry to Year 1. For Year 2 entry: HNC in relevant subject (science based course to include Biology) with grade B in graded unit.
Scottish HND
For Year 2 entry: HND in relevant subject (science based course to include Biology or Human Biology) with grades BB in graded units. For Year 3 entry: HND in a relevant subject (science based course to include Biology or Human Biology) with grades AB in graded units.
Scottish Higher
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
Scottish Advanced Higher
including Biology or Human Biology plus Highers AABB for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
including a science subject at Higher Level 5 for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: 32 points with Biology or Human Biology at Higher Level 6.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
in relevant subject (including sufficient Science) for entry to Year 1. For entry to Year 2: DDM in relevant subject (including sufficient Biology or Human Biology).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
A level
Including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics) at B
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
In relevant subject (including sufficient Science)
Scottish Higher
including a science subject (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Human Biology, Mathematics or Physics).
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
including a science subject at Higher Level 5
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent).
Not accepted
Scottish HNC
HNC in relevant subject (including sufficient science) with C in graded unit
A level
including Biology or Human Biology
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Upcoming Open Days at Heriot-Watt University
26
Sep, 2026
9
Oct, 2026
30
Oct, 2026
Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £1,820 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| Channel Islands, England, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland | £9,790 | 2026/27 | Year 1 | |
| EU, International | £25,808 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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